A NASA high-altitude research aircraft flew over
portions of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s flight path
Saturday. NASA’s ER-2 used special cameras to search for
debris that may have separated from Columbia as it returned
to Earth Feb. 1. Columbia disintegrated over the western
United States during its descent, and investigators are
collecting debris in an effort to determine the cause of the
accident.
The ER-2 is similar to U.S. Air Force U-2 reconnaissance
aircraft. NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards,
Calif., operates a pair of ER-2s for earth and environmental
science missions.
Saturday’s seven-hour flight was flown at 40,000 feet over
parts of western Texas. Imagery obtained during the flight is
being studied to determine if it can show the location of
Shuttle debris. To help searchers analyze the imagery,
various samples of debris (not from Columbia) were placed on
the ER-2’s flight path for comparison purposes.
Anyone who finds material, suspected to be from the Shuttle,
is urged to avoid contact, because it may be hazardous due to
fuel residue. Report possible debris by calling, toll-free:
1-866/446-6603.
Shuttle material may not look like typical aircraft
components. Pictures of examples of Shuttle debris may be
viewed on the Internet at:
http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/COL_debris_pix.html
All debris is U.S. government property and may be critical to
the investigation of the mishap. Debris from the accident
should be left in place and reported to Government
authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of
accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the
law.
Photos of the NASA ER-2 aircraft are available, in high
resolution suitable for publication, in the Gallery section
of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Web site at:
Information about NASA and the Columbia Accident
Investigation Board is available on the Internet at:
